On 5 November Parts & Power, along with their co-sponsors Northern Lights, Volvo Penta and Marine Maintenance Service sponsored the 14th Annual Charter Yacht Society (CYS) AGM and Crew party. Parts & Power have been sponsoring this event from its inception. As this is the only time of the year that the CYS membership are all gathered together, Executive Director Janet Oliver approached Tom Gerker of Parts & Power in 2004 and suggested that they make a party out of it in hopes of getting a better turnout for the AGM. Considering it a great idea, Parts & Power approached Northern Lights who came on board and has been a co-sponsor ever since.

The BVI Charter Yacht Society is a vital part of the Marine Industries in the BVI. They lobby on behalf of the Crewed Charter Industry with Government. The Crewed Yacht Industry is a large part of the BVI economy, supporting nearly every business segment of the community: Transport (airlines, ferries & taxis), hotels, restaurants, food purveyors, Wine, Beer & Spirits sales, marinas, chandleries, rigging services, engine & generator repair services, painters & varnishing services, laundries & dry cleaners and just about every other service business in the BVI. As their livelihood depends upon a pristine environment, the Crewed Yacht Operators are very strong advocates for keeping the Territory “Clean and Green”. They do everything in their power to protect the fragile marine infrastructure and assist in keeping it clean and beautiful.

But, as independent owner/operators, the BVI Government often does not always hear or know about what they are contributing. Likewise, Government does not know or understand what impediments stand in the way of this vital Industry continuing to contribute to the economy. This is where Janet Oliver and the volunteer Board of Directors of the Charter Yacht Society come in. They not only lobby on behalf of the CYS membership, but they advocate for the many support Industries who are important to their member yachts, promote Ecological initiatives and donate money to various NGOs in the BVI such as the Family Support Network and the Kids And The Sea program.

Parts & Power has always appreciated the contributions of the Crewed Yacht Industry, and the great efforts of the Charter Yacht Society. So, they were happy to sponsor this important event for the CYS. They approached Northern Lights Inc (NLI), manufacturers of the most popular Marine Generators in the Caribbean, and widely used by the Crewed Yacht Industry. NLI recognize the importance of the Owner/Operators, and support organizations like the CYS. They are a unique business in that they pay attention to the “little guy”, listen to their needs and react in any way they can. This may be a change in the design of what they manufacture, customizing a product for one customer or, in the case of Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, dropping prices on their products to aid in the rebuilding and recovery.

Volvo Penta, likewise recognizing the value of this Industry, joined as a new co-sponsor in 2014. This was part of Volvo’s revised strategy to offer unparalleled support to customers in the Caribbean.

The Charter Industry was devastated by the Hurricanes in 2017 but, with the help and assistance of organizations like the CYS, they started to claw their way back right away. The Charter Yacht Society managed to get 20 boats together for their Show in November 2017, from a previous high of 90 yachts in 2016. This year they had 45. Many new faces, and a number of veteran crew, were present at the Crew Party. They were focused on supporting the CYS, participating in initiatives to protect and improve the Environment, and learning about what their Organization is doing and plans to do for the BVI Community. And, of course, they came to have fun, enjoy the fellowship and consume the food and drink provided by hosts Nanny Cay. A feast was served, and the libations flowed freely from the well-tended bar.

Fun was had by all as Tim Dabbs, of Marine Maintenance Service, and Tony Tuckett, of Parts & Power, held a Trivia Quiz and gave out prizes donated by Northern Lights and Volvo.

We have been very busy during the opening months of 2015, so thought we would share some of our activities with you! BVI Trade Expo We had a large stand at the recent BVI Trade Expo, with featured products from Summit, Paint-Over-Rust, Eaton, Perkins generators and JCB amongst many others. JCB machinery took pride of place outside the expo as well as within – see the picture on our website home page! We were also delighted that our very own Tony Tuckett (pictured) was invited to speak on behalf of the Exhibitors at the opening ceremony. For more pictures of the event please go to the Parts & Power Facebook page. Product News Here is a bulletin on our latest product news:

Meridian Construction recently purchased a JCB 3DX Backhoe loader

The last of the Perkins mechanically governed Marine Engines will be manufactured in 2015. Parts & Power is stocking up on them. But this is the last chance to re-power with a new mechanically governed engine.

Road Town Wholesale purchased a JCB TLT30DHL. It has specially modified forks for a higher lift.

Clarence Thomas Ltd have ordered a JCB TLT35D4x4

We have a new JCB 540-120 with a man basket in stock

Staff News Our latest staff news and training is as follows:

We conducted a training class on Northern Lights generators for staff from the Moorings.

A week long training class was held for staff on the JCB Loadall

Our service manage Clive departed to run the Moorings base in St. Lucia. His successor as service manager is Andrew Bell

A new engineer in Service joined us – Mr Moses Telfo

Our Sales manager Drew Bremner retired and returned to his native Canada

Staff training was held on the new Yanmar SD60

Kester was promoted to Warehouse Supervisor and Somora was promoted to Parts Sales Supervisor

Mark Chambers was hired as a Journey engineer. He has over 30 years experience.